VESS London

VESS London: The Safe Place is run by a group of organisations working with children and young people across London.

Our job is to work alongside you and understand what you need, so we can work together to find ways so you can be safe and stay safe.

We are not social care or the police, but we do work closely with them when we have to.

How we work with you

We want you to be the best version of yourself. We know that’s not possible without listening to what you want. We work closely with you every step of the way, making sure you are comfortable and can share your thoughts in a space that is safe.

We know that it takes time to get to know someone and trust them. Your worker will be there for you whenever you are ready. They are patient and will take the time to get to know you.

What the support looks like

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Your worker is here to support you. You’ll talk together about things like staying safe, handling emotions, dealing with family stuff and building healthy relationships. Together, you’ll make a plan that works for you - focusing on things like building confidence and staying safe.

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Your worker will try to meet you once a week at a time and a place that works for you. You’ll meet in a place where you feel safe and comfortable, whether this be at school, college or elsewhere in the community like a café or park.

GET IN TOUCH

If you have any questions about the service get in touch with the team via email referrals@saferlondon.org.uk or call 0207 021 0301

Fill in the online form and get the support you need.

ONLINE FORM

Your questions answered! 

Who runs the service

You’re in good hands! The service is run by the following organisations who work together to help you access a range of different services and support: Safer London, St Giles Trust, New Horizon Youth Centre, Anna Freud and Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC)

What does being supported by VESS London: The Safe Place look like for me?

Working with us means you’ll have a say in what kind of support you want and how we work with you. You’ll meet with your caseworker somewhere that feels safe for you, and at a pace that works for you - no pressure.

Along with your regular one-to-one sessions, you can also get help with things like education, training or finding a safe place to live.

How do I get support?

You (or someone helping you) can fill out a quick form online. If you’re stuck or unsure, you can call the VESS London team at Safer London team and they’ll guide you through it.

Once your form is sent in, someone will get in touch with you (or the person who referred you) within 2 working days - sometimes even the same day. If more info is needed, we’ll ask for it from the professionals you already know, so you don’t have to keep repeating yourself. Our team will work fast to get you the support you need.

What kind of support do you offer?

We support young Londoners who are going through or have been through violence, exploitation or trauma. That includes emotional support, help with school or training, housing advice and making sure you feel safe.

What does a caseworker do?

Your caseworker is there to listen to you and support you through whatever you’re dealing with. They’ll work with you on things like staying safe, managing emotions, coping with stress, understanding family stuff and healthy relationships.

They’re not here to judge - their job is to get to know you and help you figure out what you need. You’ll meet regularly and they’ll be someone you can trust. They’ll also work with other services if needed, so you don’t have to explain things over and over.

Your caseworker will help with things like:

- Talking about how you're feeling and finding ways to cope
- Understanding how to stay safe and feel more in control
- Looking at your family or home situation
- Building healthy relationships
- Setting goals for the future - like school, work or training

They can also:

- Do risk assessments and help with safety planning
- Speak up for you (advocacy) and link you to other services
- Work with professionals you already know, so you don’t have to repeat yourself
- Support you with housing, education, or anything else you might need help with

Your caseworker will stick with you over time - up to 2 years - so you have someone consistent you can trust.

I want to know more - who can I talk to?

You can get in touch with the VESS London team at Safer London. They're happy to answer any questions you have.

📧 Email: Referrals@saferlondon.org.uk
📞 Call: 0207 021 0301

I’m not a young Londoner, but I’ve got a question about the service - who can I talk to?

No problem — just give the team at Safer London a call on 0207 021 0301 and we’ll help you out.

VESS CTA

Get the support you need

Fill in the online form and get the support you need

ONLINE FORM